Merck & Co. Inc. Announces Landmark Deal with Hengrui Pharma

In a significant move to bolster its cardiovascular portfolio, Merck & Co. Inc. has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. for the development and commercialization of HRS-5346, a novel cardiovascular disease drug currently in phase 2 trials in China.

Financial Terms and Drug Potential

The deal includes an upfront payment of $200 million from Merck, with potential milestone payments reaching up to $1.8 billion, alongside royalties on net sales. HRS-5346 is an investigational oral small molecule inhibitor targeting lipoprotein(a) formation, a known risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease affecting approximately 20% of adults worldwide.

Expert Insight and Expected Closure

"Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, making HRS-5346 a potentially groundbreaking treatment," stated Dr. Dean Li, President of Merck Research Laboratories. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized in the second quarter of 2025, marking a pivotal step in addressing global cardiovascular health challenges.